A restaurant can’t be successful without a well-quipped and functional kitchen setup. The type of restaurant you hope to operate will influence the kind of equipment you will need. However, there is a standard list of essential appliances and equipment that can work as a starting point for your restaurant’s needs.
Equipping a restaurant kitchen will not be a cheap undertaking. However, by investing in high-quality appliances and kitchenware suitable for a commercial environment, such as floor mixers, large-capacity ovens, stainless steel prep counters, and large coffee machines for offices and restaurant settings, you can ensure quality operation and extended usage for years to come.
Cooking Equipment
The oven is the central part of any commercial kitchen. The type of oven you choose to purchase must align with the kind of restaurant you are operating and the food you plan to serve. Alongside considering the perfect size, it is crucial to invest in a high-quality commercial brand with a trusted and reliable history. You will also need to decide on the type of oven you want, which includes a standard oven, a convection oven, a pizza oven, a combination oven, and a conveyor oven.
Once you have selected your oven, you will need to decide on the type of range and ventilation system to be installed. In commercial kitchens, you can choose between a gas or electric stove, both of which require a high-functioning ventilation system to manage airflow and temperature control throughout the kitchen.
Food processors are one of the most underrated appliances in the kitchen. These clever machines can chop, slice, grind, puree, and shred a variety of different foods in a matter of moments. There are four primary types of processors to choose from.
These options include batch bowls, commonly found in homes and work by collecting the food as it is processed, continuous feed processors that allow you to constantly add food while it is running as the food is dropped into a seperat bowl, buffalo choppers, which are heavy-duty processors made using all-metal with the capability of chopping everything and anything, and a combination processor, a fantastic blend of batch and continuous processors.
If you plan to make your own in-house bread or cake-based desserts, you will need to invest in a commercial kitchen mixer. The two most popular options are countertop mixers, often used in smaller bakeries and restaurants, and floor mixers, which are a popular choice for most commercial spaces.
Refrigerators & Freezers
To keep food as fresh as possible and avoid unwanted and potentially damaging food safety violations, you need to invest in high-quality refrigerators and freezers. The size you choose to purchase largely depends on the available space in your kitchen and the capacity of your restaurant.
It’s crucial to prioritize size and capacity over additional features, especially if you’re on a limited budget. Reach-in fridges are more convenient for your staff to use, while walk-in coolers are easy to operate, safe, and have a large capacity, making them a fantastic choice for larger kitchens that require more food storage.
Sinks
Sinks serve three very important functions within a restaurant: food preparation, dishwashing, and hand washing. Typically, to meet strict health and safety requirements, you need to install a certain number of sinks alongside a commercial dishwasher.
The sink you ultimately install will be influenced by the available counter space, ease of access, the specific sink’s function, and personal preference. Once you have determined the number of sinks your setup requires, you can research the best options to meet your needs.
Prep Counters & Cutting Boards
Counters, cutting surfaces, and prep tables are vital to a high-functioning and efficient kitchen setup. Staff members, both in and out of the kitchen, will frequently use these surfaces for various tasks and prep work, so it is essential to invest in high-quality materials and solid craftsmanship to ensure they last for years to come.
The most reliable option to select is stainless steel counters. The material is incredibly sturdy, won’t absorb any bacteria or food waste, and can easily stand up to even the harshest cleaning products. Despite popular belief, plastic cutting boards are the way to go. Plastic is not as porous as wood, making it more difficult to harbor bacteria. Furthermore, they are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Color-code your cutting boards based on the food prep to avoid any cross-contamination.
Beverage Equipment
Serving beverages is just as important as filling food orders in any restaurant. If you own a coffee shop, bar, or pub, beverage appliances will be the backbone of your entire operation. However, standard restaurants must ensure that they invest in the proper equipment to accommodate their customers.
These appliances include a large-capacity barista coffee maker, soda dispensers, a drinks refrigerator, and a commercial ice maker. Depending on the size of your establishment, this equipment can be stored in a corner of the kitchen or in a dedicated spot behind a bar, alongside your alcoholic offerings, such as wine, beer, spirits, and alcohol mixes.
Safety Equipment
Health and safety are the biggest priorities in the hospitality industry, and ensuring your restaurant is properly equipped to protect both staff and patrons is essential. All restaurants should be equipped with an active and regularly tested fire alarm system, as well as a security alarm, to ensure the safety of your establishment.
Additionally, you should stock up on fire extinguishers (which are regularly checked and updated as needed), rubber floor mats, aprons, goggles, hairnets, oven mitts, wet floor signs, stocked first aid kits, and security cameras.